The Fremantle to Bali race and rally 2015
Getting there was always going to be a challenge as I was booked to do the 2015 Women's State Keelboat Championships over at SoPYC. The weather got in the way however and the prospect of heading into 40 to 50 knots on Saturday was a little daunting and considering that they had 1440 miles to go, the start was held back a day and the wait was to see if the weather improved.
Sunday was no better and they canned racing on the river as well.
So Monday broke and a quick check of the website showed that it was on. Hooray. Throw the camera's into the boot, get the big lens out and pray that they weren't too far off shore. Get down to North Mole and they were starting to shape up already. Lord preserve us and there's rain on the horizon too. The start line was about a nautical mile away; the very limit for a hand held 400mm lens with any clarity. So get out of the car and put the water cover on the camera and start working. A couple of the images on show were slightly over exposed ( trust the sun to come out just as I got the focal length right), but I managed to get the start and just about all of the boats. Indian got away to a great start and if she continues improving that lead for the rest of the race she'll be in Bali a day before anyone else. Good to see Walk on the Wild Side out on the water again...it's been a long time between drinks for Garth and I do hope that he keeps this mast on. As for Endorphin, can't stop those guys.. they have sailed longer and harder than most crews. They'll give it a push for sure. As for the newbie in the deck Max Palleschi's Farr 40 Prime Factor has had the opportunity to do the run to Albany as a tester and I'd like to think that they will do this trip without too many trials. Brian Todd's Martin 49 Sue Sea, war horse that she is, is still going well and is on her way to Bali. Nice to see Wasabi and her skipper Paul Arns having a go on this super long trip. Paul has been putting in the hard yards over the last few years and should deserve a placing on this race. Craig Carter's Carkeek 47 Indian should be the pace setter, but with WOTWS back in the pack, it may be challenging for both.
On the rally side, we witnessed a few of the boats heading off early (but who cares) and it was good to see John Holder and Plus 16 with Don Brookers Dorade charging alongside the international entrant in Katmai helmed by Eric Paerels.
Sail well all!
Sunday was no better and they canned racing on the river as well.
So Monday broke and a quick check of the website showed that it was on. Hooray. Throw the camera's into the boot, get the big lens out and pray that they weren't too far off shore. Get down to North Mole and they were starting to shape up already. Lord preserve us and there's rain on the horizon too. The start line was about a nautical mile away; the very limit for a hand held 400mm lens with any clarity. So get out of the car and put the water cover on the camera and start working. A couple of the images on show were slightly over exposed ( trust the sun to come out just as I got the focal length right), but I managed to get the start and just about all of the boats. Indian got away to a great start and if she continues improving that lead for the rest of the race she'll be in Bali a day before anyone else. Good to see Walk on the Wild Side out on the water again...it's been a long time between drinks for Garth and I do hope that he keeps this mast on. As for Endorphin, can't stop those guys.. they have sailed longer and harder than most crews. They'll give it a push for sure. As for the newbie in the deck Max Palleschi's Farr 40 Prime Factor has had the opportunity to do the run to Albany as a tester and I'd like to think that they will do this trip without too many trials. Brian Todd's Martin 49 Sue Sea, war horse that she is, is still going well and is on her way to Bali. Nice to see Wasabi and her skipper Paul Arns having a go on this super long trip. Paul has been putting in the hard yards over the last few years and should deserve a placing on this race. Craig Carter's Carkeek 47 Indian should be the pace setter, but with WOTWS back in the pack, it may be challenging for both.
On the rally side, we witnessed a few of the boats heading off early (but who cares) and it was good to see John Holder and Plus 16 with Don Brookers Dorade charging alongside the international entrant in Katmai helmed by Eric Paerels.
Sail well all!
The Fremantle to Bali race and rally 2013
As a photographer, it's hard to beat and as a sailing photographer, it's a mecca.
Last time in 2011, I was hanging off North Mole and they did the start right in front of me. Great photos and Limit was in fine form. She punished the opposition and created a new record to beat. 6 days 5 hrs and some odd minutes.
We all know that Tony Mitchell doesnt do things by halves and he went out and chartered a super maxi. Nicorette by name and renamed Super Sled for the occasion she is one of the few canting keel designed beasts of the seas. With two experienced sailing masters, several of his Limit crew and one or two specialist men in their roles on a big boat, Tony is going for the kill. He wants nothing less than the fastest time and the inaugeral Rolly Tasker trophy for line honours presented by the WA government. I'm sure that the beer at the other end will taste sweet, as having looked below decks...... it's a spartan life to lead for these sailors and the best thing they can think of is MRE rations for the next 6 days.
These images are available for sale and I may be reached through the contact page on the website.
Last time in 2011, I was hanging off North Mole and they did the start right in front of me. Great photos and Limit was in fine form. She punished the opposition and created a new record to beat. 6 days 5 hrs and some odd minutes.
We all know that Tony Mitchell doesnt do things by halves and he went out and chartered a super maxi. Nicorette by name and renamed Super Sled for the occasion she is one of the few canting keel designed beasts of the seas. With two experienced sailing masters, several of his Limit crew and one or two specialist men in their roles on a big boat, Tony is going for the kill. He wants nothing less than the fastest time and the inaugeral Rolly Tasker trophy for line honours presented by the WA government. I'm sure that the beer at the other end will taste sweet, as having looked below decks...... it's a spartan life to lead for these sailors and the best thing they can think of is MRE rations for the next 6 days.
These images are available for sale and I may be reached through the contact page on the website.